FEMA approved the TWC's request for Lost Wages Assistance
The funding is through the week ending September 5, 2020 and may provide an additional $300 in payments to qualified claimants.
Press Release
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) request for Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) funding for the week ending September 5, 2020. This funding provides for an additional $300 in payments to qualified claimants.
FEMA’s process for releasing funds does not line up exactly with TWC’s payment system. TWC must request the funds weekly and must ensure that funds are available each week before the $300 in benefits is released. Claimants should continue requesting payments on their scheduled payment request day.
Texas was one of the first states to apply and be approved. TWC will continue to provide Texas claimants with updates when FEMA approves requests for LWA funding. Since all states are drawing monies from the same fund, the exact date that FEMA funding will run out is not known.
Texas Work Force Lost Wage Assistance Program
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott authorized TWC to submit the application for the additional $300 made available under President Trump’s Lost Wage Assistance Executive Order.
Press Release
On August 20, 2020, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott authorized TWC to submit the application for the additional $300 made available under President Trump’s Lost Wage Assistance Executive Order. TWC is working to implement this change as quickly as possible.
To help you understand how this program may impact your benefits, we've compiled frequently asked questions on the Lost Wage Assistance Program.
What is the LWA program?
President Trump signed four Presidential Memorandums on Aug. 8, 2020, including one to offer enhanced unemployment insurance benefits of $300 per week. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continue to provide guidance to each state for the proper administration of the benefit. The Department of Workforce Services will continue to communicate the guidelines of the program as they are finalized by these federal agencies.
Who is eligible to receive the $300?
To be eligible for LWA benefits:
Your weekly benefit amount must be $100 or more.
You must receive at least $1 of benefits from one of the following programs:
Regular unemployment insurance
Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE)
Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX)
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
Extended Benefits (EB)
Shared Work
Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)
You must certify that you are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to disruptions caused by COVID-19.
LWA is not payable to individuals collecting Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
I did not certify that my claim was COVID-19 related when I first applied, can I do so now?
If you have not previously certified that your claim is COVID-19 related you will be given the opportunity to do so on your next payment request.
I’m on a shared work program, how do I certify that my reduced hours are COVID-19 related?
If you are on a shared work program, TWC will reach out to clarify if your reduction of hours is COVID-19 related.
How do I apply for the additional $300?
If you are already receiving benefits, no application is required. Continue requesting payments as normal. Our team is updating the system. Eligible claimants should receive the additional $300 a week on their first payment request on or after 8/23/2020.
Will the additional $300 be backdated?
Yes, the President’s Executive Order allows for additional $300 a week to be backdate to the week of August 1, 2020.
Will the additional $300 appear on my account?
Like the previous additional benefits, this amount will not be added to the weekly benefit amount visible on your account but will be added when deposited.
Why is it an additional $300?
This is the amount set forth in the Presidents Executive Order and agreed upon by the State of Texas.
If my weekly benefit amount is less than $100, do I receive the additional $300?
If you receive less than $100 a week of unemployment benefits you are not eligible to receive the additional $300.
Is the additional $300 paid per week?
Yes. Since TWC deposits payments every two weeks, eligible claimants will receive an extra $600 every two weeks.
I returned to work between 8/1 and 8/23, do I qualify for backdated payments?
Yes, if someone returned to work between 8/1/2020 and 8/23/2020 they may be eligible. We will review those claims and if needed reach out to those individuals.
TWC - $600 Per Week Will End
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation or the additional $600 per week will end with the benefit week ending in July 25, 2020.
Press Release
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation or the additional $600 per week will end with the benefit week ending in July 25, 2020. The CARES Act was passed by the U.S. Congress. TWC is responsible for overseeing the payments but only the U.S. Congress can extend the Act.
Will I continue to receive my state unemployment benefits?
Yes. You will continue to receive your state unemployment benefits for as long as you are eligible.
Why is this additional $600/week ending?
TWC does not have the authority to extend the $600 a week benefit. The additional $600/week is part of the CARES Act that was passed by the U.S. Congress. TWC is responsible for overseeing the payments but only the U.S Congress can extend the Act.
When is my last payment with the additional $600/week?
If you request payment for the weeks of 7/18 and 7/25: You will receive the additional $600 for both weeks.
If you request payment for the weeks of 7/25 and 8/1:You will receive the additional $600 for only the week of 7/25.
Why does the additional $600/week end in Texas on 7/25 when the CARES Act lists 7/31?
The CARES Act provides federal reimbursement to states for an additional $600 per week. The Act states that the program ends July 31, but benefits must be discontinued before the end of the month because by law TWC cannot pay partial week benefits. The last full benefit week for the extra $600 is the week ending July 25th. As a result, only payment requests for weeks ending on or before July 25 can include the additional $600.
For more information about the CARES Act or your unemployment benefit, please visit our FAQ page.
Those in need of local assistance with utilities or rent are encouraged to call 211.
TWC to pause work search requirements
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) paused the reinstatement of work search requirements for unemployment benefits in Texas.
Press Release
The Texas Workforce Commission paused the reinstatement of work search requirements for unemployment benefits in Texas effective immediately.
What does this mean for current UI claimants?
Individuals receiving unemployment payments in Texas will not need to enter the number of work searches they completed while requesting payment; they may continue to enter 0 until the Commission moves to reinstate work search requirements.
Why has the reinstatement of work search requirements been paused?
This action was taken in response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Texas. From the outset, TWC has stated that bringing back work search would be conditions-based.
When might work search requirements be reinstated?
Work search requirements are federal stipulation to unemployment insurance benefits. TWC will continue to monitor the situation and make further recommendations in late July.
Please continue to request payments, every two weeks and continuously check your mail and electronic correspondence for updates from TWC.
For more information and frequently asked questions visit our COVID-19 UI FAQ Page or connect with Larry the Chat Bot on the TWC homepage.